Dentist aims to start free dental program for poor residents

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, July 21, 2014 at 6:36 p.m.

A local dentist and the Children & Family Resource Center are hoping that one act of kindness will start a partnership that leads to brighter smiles and straighter teeth among Hendersonville's less fortunate residents.

Alma Figueroa, 22, hasn't had the easiest adolescence. She became pregnant during her senior year of high school, was homeless for a time, and found herself alone at seven months pregnant when her son's father was deported.

Through programming and mentoring at the Children & Family Resource Center, Figueroa is now working to complete her education, pursue a career, and improve her lifestyle for herself and her 2-year-old, Adam.

And thanks to her mentor and the generosity of a local dentist, Figueroa is receiving dental care for the first time in her life — for free.

Dr. Pete Richards was introduced to Figueroa by her mentor and friend, Bill Woerner, during a fundraising dinner in May.

Figueroa had been chosen to speak about her experiences with the Children & Family Resources, since she'd enrolled in its Adolescent Parenting Program and is currently receiving a scholarship for single mothers to attend Blue Ridge Community College, where she's studying to become an interpreter.

“Pete saw her out there, and he was impressed by her,” said Woerner.

“She got up there and told her story,” Richards said. “She was very humble about it.”

Richards said he was moved by the young woman's ongoing efforts to turn her life around and create a stable home for her son, and wanted to do something to help her.

Richards said that while Figueroa is a beautiful young woman, he thought her teeth needed a little help upon first meeting her.

“Whenever I see people, I see teeth,” he said. “I offered to take care of any and all of her dental needs for a year.”

So far, Figueroa has received cleanings, X-rays and photos of her teeth, totaling about $800 in care.

“My teeth are feeling better than they ever had before,” said Figueroa. “I'd never been to a dentist before.”

While Figueroa was lucky she didn't have any cavities, she had a case of gingivitis and has two impacted wisdom teeth that still need to be removed. She knows it's up to her to maintain proper at-home dental hygiene if she wants Richards to continue working on her teeth pro bono.

“The ball's in her court to maintain her teeth and gums,” Richards said. “Once she shows she can maintain that, I'm going to be in touch with (an orthodontist).”

If a local orthodontist takes Figueroa's case, Richards estimates the orthodontia would be worth $4,000 to $5,000 in pro bono care.

“We're hoping that I am an example and I am not the only girl who gets this,” Figueroa said, adding how thankful she is to be receiving the care and support from Richards and Woerner. “When you have so many hands trying to push you forward, it gives you more energy to do it.”

Richards said he wants to recruit other dentists in the community to similarly provide free care to at-risk young adults, especially teen moms like Figueroa enrolled in the Adolescent Parenting Program.

“There are enough young people out here … who could use a little bit of help,” said Richards. “They don't have a whole lot of discretionary money and their dental needs may not be on the top of the list.”

“We have other clients that would greatly benefit from the same service,” said Linda Carter, director of programs at the Children & Family Resource Center. “We thought we would ... get the message out in the community and see if other dentists might step forward.”

Dentists interested in helping to start the pro bono dental program at the Children & Family Resource Center can call Linda Carter at 828-698-0674, ext. 141.

<p>A local dentist and the Children & Family Resource Center are hoping that one act of kindness will start a partnership that leads to brighter smiles and straighter teeth among Hendersonville's less fortunate residents. </p><p>Alma Figueroa, 22, hasn't had the easiest adolescence. She became pregnant during her senior year of high school, was homeless for a time, and found herself alone at seven months pregnant when her son's father was deported.</p><p>Through programming and mentoring at the Children & Family Resource Center, Figueroa is now working to complete her education, pursue a career, and improve her lifestyle for herself and her 2-year-old, Adam. </p><p>And thanks to her mentor and the generosity of a local dentist, Figueroa is receiving dental care for the first time in her life — for free.</p><p>Dr. Pete Richards was introduced to Figueroa by her mentor and friend, Bill Woerner, during a fundraising dinner in May. </p><p>Figueroa had been chosen to speak about her experiences with the Children & Family Resources, since she'd enrolled in its Adolescent Parenting Program and is currently receiving a scholarship for single mothers to attend Blue Ridge Community College, where she's studying to become an interpreter. </p><p>“Pete saw her out there, and he was impressed by her,” said Woerner.</p><p>“She got up there and told her story,” Richards said. “She was very humble about it.”</p><p>Richards said he was moved by the young woman's ongoing efforts to turn her life around and create a stable home for her son, and wanted to do something to help her.</p><p>Richards said that while Figueroa is a beautiful young woman, he thought her teeth needed a little help upon first meeting her. </p><p>“Whenever I see people, I see teeth,” he said. “I offered to take care of any and all of her dental needs for a year.” </p><p>So far, Figueroa has received cleanings, X-rays and photos of her teeth, totaling about $800 in care. </p><p>“My teeth are feeling better than they ever had before,” said Figueroa. “I'd never been to a dentist before.”</p><p>While Figueroa was lucky she didn't have any cavities, she had a case of gingivitis and has two impacted wisdom teeth that still need to be removed. She knows it's up to her to maintain proper at-home dental hygiene if she wants Richards to continue working on her teeth pro bono.</p><p>“The ball's in her court to maintain her teeth and gums,” Richards said. “Once she shows she can maintain that, I'm going to be in touch with (an orthodontist).”</p><p>If a local orthodontist takes Figueroa's case, Richards estimates the orthodontia would be worth $4,000 to $5,000 in pro bono care.</p><p>“We're hoping that I am an example and I am not the only girl who gets this,” Figueroa said, adding how thankful she is to be receiving the care and support from Richards and Woerner. “When you have so many hands trying to push you forward, it gives you more energy to do it.” </p><p>Richards said he wants to recruit other dentists in the community to similarly provide free care to at-risk young adults, especially teen moms like Figueroa enrolled in the Adolescent Parenting Program.</p><p>“There are enough young people out here … who could use a little bit of help,” said Richards. “They don't have a whole lot of discretionary money and their dental needs may not be on the top of the list.”</p><p>“We have other clients that would greatly benefit from the same service,” said Linda Carter, director of programs at the Children & Family Resource Center. “We thought we would ... get the message out in the community and see if other dentists might step forward.”</p><p>Dentists interested in helping to start the pro bono dental program at the Children & Family Resource Center can call Linda Carter at 828-698-0674, ext. 141.</p><p>___</p><p>Reach McGowan at molly.mcgowan@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7871.</p>